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DIMAPUR — On Tuesday, Governor La Ganesan of Nagaland expressed disapproval of the recent remarks made by senior DMK leader RS Bharathi regarding the Naga people, stating that the statement does not reflect the real voice of the Tamil people.
"This unwarranted assumption, branding the whole Naga community as dog-eaters, is not only in poor taste but also maligns our diverse and dignified culture," he said in a statement. He also appealed to the people of Nagaland to "ignore this statement as it does not reflect the real voice of the Tamil people."
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]Bharathi's remarks were made at an event held to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of former DMK chief M Karunanidhi. While Bharathi’s speech was targeted at Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi, who was formerly Governor of Nagaland, his reference to the Naga people stirred controversy.
In a video that went viral on X, the micro-blogging site, Bharathi mentioned that Ravi had faced issues in Nagaland and was chased out of the state. "The people of Nagaland eat dog meat. If someone who eats dog meat themselves has so much self-respect that they chased away this Governor, then imagine how much self-respect Tamils, who consume food with salt, would have…," the DMK leader had said in the video.
The Governor stated that Nagaland is home to a rich and varied heritage. To stereotype and belittle the entire population based on the dietary preference of a few is not only disrespectful but inevitably leads to the distortion of our identity, he said.
He went on to state that that one’s dietary choices are personal and should not be used to judge or disrespect an individual’s character. Nagas are dignified and cultured people deeply committed to their rich cultural heritage, he said while terming Bharathi's statement as "an unfortunate generalisation that belittles an entire community on the basis of food habits."
Governor Ganesan noted that the Tamils have coexisted peacefully in Nagaland in an environment of mutual respect and understanding, and similarly Nagas in Tamil Nadu are coexisting peacefully and with dignity. "The communal harmony that exists between the Tamils and the Nagas either in Nagaland or in Tamil Nadu is a testament to the immense respect that both the communities have for each other's tradition," the statement read.
Further, he said that the 'unjust remark' that Governor RN Ravi was chased out of Nagaland is not only disrespectful but also lacks the truth. Most Nagas I have met and interacted with have expressed their admiration and respect for him, he argued.
As the Governor of Nagaland, he condemned the remarks and urged everyone, especially those in leadership positions, to exercise caution and respect when discussing diverse cultures and encourage mutual respect between all communities.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]Will not tolerate racial discrimination— Kropol Vitsu
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Nagaland asserted that Bharathi's remarks were 'against the fundamental rights and amounts to committing sacrilege to the people of Nagas.'
Addressing a press conference with party spokesperson Thomas Magh, at the party head office in Kohima, State BJP Vice President, Kropol Vitsu maintained that the remarks have 'enraged the Nagas'. "This is nothing but a serious racial discrimination against the Nagas and the BJP Nagaland will leave no stone unturned till Bharathi is punished as per the law of the land," he asserted.
While appreciating the Governor of Tamil Nadu, RN Ravi for defending the Nagas, he questioned why Bharathi had to 'drag in the name of Nagas' when the issue was between the DMK and the Governor.
"His unprovoked remark is highly condemnable by one and all and it cannot be forgotten," he added.
Vistu, who is also MLA and Advisor of Prisons and Printing and Stationeries, expressed displeasure at the DMK leader’s clarification that he had not offended the Nagas but was rather, praising the Nagas when he passed the remarks. Stating that it was like 'adding salt to the injury,' the vice-president maintained that Bharathi would not go 'scot-free after insulting the dignity and culture of the Nagas.' Bharathi has no right whatsoever, to insult the identity of the Nagas basing on its food habits, he added.
Meanwhile, the BJP Nagaland also took a jab at Congress, questioning why it has allowed its INDI Alliance partner to cast aspersions not only against the Nagas but also demean the ethnic groups having diverse cultures and practices in India. It also questioned the stand of the Congress party in Nagaland and added that it is awaiting their comments.
Vitsu said the party has not initiated any action yet and is waiting for the response of the DMK party. However, the matter will be taken up at the appropriate level if there is no positive response, he said.
He also voiced apprehension that the country's 'Unity in diversity' has come under question and mentioned that if Bharathi harbours 'ulterior motives' against the Nagas and wishes to articulate it, he should do so openly.